We often have to protect ourselves legally but it’s hard to know where to start. Whether that’s finding the right lawyer, understanding the next steps, or unpacking dense legal jargon. Fortunately, Life & Work Connections (LWC) provides University of Arizona benefits-eligible employees free access to legal experts to help them get the answers they need.
“There may be times we need to navigate legal waters,” says Josephine Corder, Director, Life and Work Connections. “Knowing there are qualified experts at hand to assist with answering questions, explaining options, or connecting to resources, can empower us with knowledge, and help reduce stress.”
Benefit-eligible employees currently have access to free legal experts and specialists through ComPsych LegalConnect®.
Employees can receive free unlimited, on-demand legal guidance from a staff of legal experts and receive referrals to local attorneys who offer discounts, and other free and low-cost legal resources.
“ComPsych Legal Connect is going to be the best starting point that exists out there for a legal issue,” Cole Leite, LegalConnect attorney, says. “It’s private and confidential (but not privileged). You don't have to put anything in to get started and you don’t have to invest a lot of time to get clarity or to understand your options.”
These experts can help with a broad range of issues such as family law and divorce, adoption, estate planning, and real estate.
When employees call LegalConnect, they are connected with an in-house attorney.
“It’s hard to get an attorney to play a sounding board with, especially when what you need to know may not be something you need to pay for,” Leite says. “Talking with an attorney is the most beneficial part of this service; it saves people time and money.”
Most calls can be anywhere from 5 – 20 minutes, depending on whether the client is looking for a referral or has a more complicated legal question.
For more complicated issues or topics they cannot help with (like employment-related issues and most tax issues), they provide referrals to local attorneys who offer a free 30-minute consultation and a 25% discount if they use their service. All attorneys in their referral network have been practicing for at least 5 years and are in good standing with no complaints.
Sometimes, during the call, other needs may surface.
“During the call, it often becomes apparent what other ComPsych services might be helpful,” Leite says. “We can talk about the legal side, then be transferred to FinancialConnect®, for example. Our systems are integrated, which helps provide a fuller picture of the client’s needs.”
At some point, you will need legal support. Utilize the tools and resources available to help you save time and money and get the support you need. To learn about these legal resources and see upcoming workshops on the Life and Work Connections website.